Not only do fish add colour and tranquility to your home, but they are also easy to care for and, if monitored carefully, can live long and healthy lives. Learn everything you need to know about coldwater fish tank set up and care.
Contents
- Indoor vs outdoor set ups for coldwater fish
- Tank and pond size guidance
- Compatible coldwater fish species
- Coldwater tank set up checklist
- How to set up a coldwater fish tank
- Coldwater fish tank maintenance
- Coldwater fish tank FAQs
Coldwater fish tank set up
Should coldwater fish tanks be indoors or outdoors?
Coldwater fish brighten up an indoor tank and they can enjoy their lives in an outdoor pond as well. Danios and fancy goldfish are popular breeds to live in an indoor tank. Koi and goldfish and some native species that can grow larger and live longer are a perfect choice for your outdoor pond.
Where should I place my indoor tank?
Keep your tank in a high, stable position clear from any overexposure to sunlight, air conditioning or heating.
What size tank or pond do I need for my coldwater fish?
Cold-water fish need a spacious tank to live comfortably. Generally, the bigger the tank the better, though it does depend on the species of fish you would like to keep. Tank size will also influence the number of fish you can keep. As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended to have 35-50 litres per fish.
Always research the requirements of the fish you intend to keep before purchasing a tank or pond base. Talk to your local Petbarn team member to decide on what size tank is appropriate.
Which species of coldwater fish are compatible with each other?
Housing incompatible fish together can cause stress, disease, and injury. Be sure to do your research and chat to your local Petbarn team member to get an insight into breeds that will peacefully coexist.
Compatible indoor coldwater fish species:
- Goldfish
- Platies
- Danios
Compatible outdoor coldwater fish species:
- Goldfish
- Koi
- Native fish (types will depend your state)
Coldwater tank set up checklist
Whether you have an outdoor or indoor aquarium, there are a few essential items you’ll need to set up your fish’s home. Petbarn has all the essentials you need to create a healthy, stable tank for your fish.
Tank and stand or pond base
We recommend you buy the biggest tank you can manage so your fish have an inviting environment. Make sure you place it on an aquarium stand that can support its weight when it is full of water.
Talk to one of our friendly Petbarn staff members to find the right fit for your fish and your home.
Water treatments
Water conditioner is a must-have for all fish owners. Tap water can contain some chemicals that can be hard on fish. Water conditioner makes tap water safe for fish and you’ll need to use it every time you perform a water change or top up your tank or pond.
Other water treatments include solutions like Quick Start and Stability, which help foster a healthy tank ecosystem by adding good bacteria, algae treatments, treatments for common fish ailments, and more.
Filter and filter media
Managing the quality of your fish’s environment is hugely important. The filtration system will pull some of the decaying matter to keep the tank clean and maintain the water quality.
You’ll need to clean and replace the filter media regularly for it to remain effective.
Air pump and air stone
Your fish need oxygen to survive and as they grow, they will need more. Choosing the right air pump to match your tank is important to ensuring your fish have the best environment. You can find a great range of air pumps that add air and bring a cool look to your fish tank.
An air stone is a great match for your air pump and will ensure your fish have lots of oxygen.
Lighting (light hood and bulb)
A light will make the tank environment more inviting and help the live plants survive.
Don’t keep your light on for more than 8 hours a day! Too much light will result in an overgrowth of algae.
Substrate and Decor
Half the fun of a fish tank is decorating it. Not only does it look good, but a tank full of plant, ornaments, and gravel provide spaces for your fish to hide and interact with.
Gravel is a very popular choice for tank substrate as it’s much easier to clean than sand. It also comes in lots of different sizes and colours so if you’re setting up a tank for a child, they can have fun choosing the material.
When it comes to ornaments, have a bit of fun and make your fish’s new home inviting and interesting for them. Feel free to get creative with this and use an image of a coral reef or underwater scene. You can find all sorts of options for decorating your tank at your local Petbarn store.
Plants (live or artificial)
If you don’t have a green thumb, we recommend a mix of living and artificial plants. The living plants will create a natural environment for your fish, while you’ll enjoy the low-maintenance perks of the artificial plants.
Visit your local Petbarn to see their collection of live aquatic plants.
Thermometer
An aquatic thermometer will help you monitor your tank’s water temperature. Monitor it to ensure the tank stays within your fish’s preferred temperature range.
Water test kits
Water test kits help you monitor your tank’s water quality. There are several test kits available which test different water quality parameters.
You can also get your water tested for free at your local Petbarn.
Fish tank cleaning supplies
One of the things you will be doing at least once a week is cleaning algae from your tank. Use an algae scraper or sponge to cut through algae build up on the tank glass and ornaments.
A gravel vacuum or siphon is another useful cleaning tool. It removes debris from the gravel and also makes water changes a breeze.
Other supplies for your fish
How to set up a coldwater fish tank
You can read our Fish Tank Set Up Guide for more detailed instructions, but the key steps are:
- Clean your tank/ pond, ornaments, and gravel with tap water.
- Place your gravel and/or decorations in the tank/ pond base.
- Position your electrical equipment (light, filter, air pump) but don’t turn them on yet.
- Fill your tank or pond with water.
- Add water conditioner and any other additives you plan to use.
- Turn on the electrical elements.
- Add live plants.
- Leave your tank to cycle.
You MUST cycle your tank before adding new fish
Before you welcome your fish into their new home, you need to cycle your tank or pond for at least a week. Cycling means setting it up, adding the water and water additives, plants, etc., and letting it run. This will ensure the water is clean, at the perfect temperature for its new inhabitants and allows good bacteria to form.
Some tanks may take longer to cycle than others. Always test your tank or pond water to ensure it’s ready before adding fish.
Coldwater fish tank maintenance
What temperature should my coldwater fish tank be kept at?
Most coldwater fish prefer water that’s between 15°C and 20°C. Use a water thermometer in your tank or pond to accurately monitor the temperature.
What water quality parameters do I need to monitor to keep my tank healthy?
In addition to temperature, pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate are key water parameters to monitor.
The right pH for your tank or pond depends on the type of fish living there. Some fish prefer the water to be more acidic, others prefer it more alkaline. Typically, it’s recommended to keep your water pH between 6.8 and 7.8.
For ammonia, the ideal level is 0ppm as it is highly toxic to fish. Nitrite levels should be below 0.5ppm, the closer to 0ppm the better. Nitrate levels should be below 40ppm.
Check these levels with at-home water test kits or bring a water sample in to your local Petbarn store for a free water test.
How to clean your coldwater fish tank
Perform regular water changes
Regularly change the water in your aquarium to maintain good water quality. Do this by removing no more than 25% of the water at a time. Use a gravel vacuum to remove any unwanted matter that is floating around.
When replacing water, make sure it’s the right temperature and has been treated with water conditioner.
Cleaning algae from a coldwater fish tank or pond
Whether indoor or outdoor, all aquariums are prone to producing algae. For indoor aquariums, it’s worth investing in an algae scraper or magnetic glass cleaner.
If you find excessive algae in your pond, remove any plants that might be crowding. You could also introduce a new organism into your pond – an algae eater. Snails are the most common choice for indoor tanks, as they are particularly skilled at removing algae.
If the algae is getting out of control, you can buy water additives that reduce algae growth. Also consider reducing how much light your tank gets every day – too much light encourages algae growth.
Frequently asked questions about coldwater fish
How long do coldwater fish live?
Life span varies between species and living conditions. Indoor fish can live up to 10 years, and outdoor fish up to 20 years.
How big to coldwater fish grow?
Again, it depends on the species of fish. Some grow up to 30cm in length.
What do I feed coldwater fish?
Feed your fish a diet appropriate for their species. These will be specialised pellets or flakes which are easy to find at your local Petbarn.
How much should I feed my coldwater fish?
A common cause of death in fish is overeating. Feed both indoor and outdoor fish types no more than they can eat in less than five minutes.
Do I need to feed the fish in my pond?
Fish in outdoor ponds feed off their ecosystem but will still need flakes or pellets. If they eat their food quickly, they are likely underfed. In this case, feed them once a day until they seem to be less interested. Then phase it out to once a week.
What health problems are coldwater fish prone to?
Cold-water fish are prone to fungal infections and internal parasites. Check your fish once a day to make sure they are in top condition and thriving in their aquarium.
Look out for any physical changes in your fish. Signs your fish may have an ailment include:
- Changes in colour
- Spots
- Bulging eyes
- Swelling
Some common fish diseases are highly contagious and, if not treated, could infect the rest of the tank.
If you notice anything abnormal about your fish, they may have an infection or be being bullied. It’s recommended you have a quarantine tank, with cycled water, to house the affected fish. This will resolve any social disruptions and help reduce the spread of infection.
If you notice anything out of the ordinary about your fish, make sure to visit your local Greencross Vets.
